Architecture

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Curriculum/Program Requirements

The Master’s Program in Architecture offers preparation for entry into the profession of architecture to students admitted with an undergraduate degree in architectural science (B. Arch. Sci.) or its equivalent. It is a professionally-oriented program with a strong research component. The intellectual development of the student is understood as key not only to his or her academic success, but also to his or her success as a professional operating in the increasingly demanding, research-intensive world of architectural practice in the twenty-first century. To this end, the program has been formed around the themes of critical practice; collaborative and future practice; and research practice. The program defines critical practice as follows:

1. Critical Practice (in architecture) is first of all a ‘practice’: that is, it is engaged in the production of architecture, either built or unbuilt.

2. Critical Practice (in architecture) is ‘critical’: it is engaged in a theory-grounded examination of the conditions and contexts of architectural production. The most important of these conditions and contexts for our program are understood to be in three areas of engagement: sustainability; the impacts of new technologies; and the urban condition (especially in relation to the Greater Toronto Area).

The proposed program is intensively studio-based, comprised of six terms of full-time studies: two terms of core studies, one term of intensive option studio, and a three-term design thesis. In addition to the design studios, students are required to successfully complete four seminar courses, two electives, and two collaborative exercises. The program assumes that students enter with a well developed and complete undergraduate background in all aspects of architectural design (graphic, compositional, technical, etc.), culture and production. In addition to providing opportunities to further develop and hone those competencies, the program seeks to engage students in independent, critical thought about architectural culture, production, practice, and meaning.

Although the program is comprised of a single field of study, students are encouraged, through electives, collaborative exercises, and a choice of thesis/project to develop an area of specialist expertise. This expertise may be in any area related to architectural practice which is studied at Ryerson.